NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West, 86, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was chosen three times for the Basketball Hall of Fame throughout his illustrious career as a player and executive, and his silhouette was the inspiration behind the NBA logo.
He led the Los Angeles Lakers to nine NBA Finals and one championship (1971–1972) while being an All-Star in every season of his playing career. In addition, he was a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary squad, an NBA Finals MVP while playing for a losing team in 1969, and an All-NBA selection twelve times.
After his playing career, he had successful runs as an NBA executive for multiple franchises including the Memphis Grizzlies from 2002-2007.
West was recognized for his achievements with two NBA Executive of the Year Awards: one in 1995 when managing the Lakers, and another in 2004 while managing the Grizzlies.
He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
